The indefinite strike action by the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) commenced with great dismay and an air of inevitability.
As UTAG embarks on this crucial endeavor, the National President of UTAG Professor Mamudu Akudugu expressed the feelings of his colleagues and the broader academic community, highlighting disappointment, transparency concerns, and the resilience of the association in the face of pressure.
When asked whether he was disappointed that UTAG had to resort to strike action,
Professor Akudugu acknowledged that disappointment was palpable among the academic fraternity.
However, he noted that this outcome was anticipated long before the strike officially began. He noted; “I think every Ghanaian is disappointed, and UTAG also rightly too.”
He elaborated that UTAG had been monitoring developments closely and foresaw that a strike might be inevitable.
The University environment, according to Prof. Akudugu, is one where critical thinking prevails, allowing for a deep analysis of emerging situations. He reiterated; “We already knew that this may happen and so we may be disappointed, but we are not surprised.”
He explained that UTAG’s processes were thorough, and despite the disappointment, there was a sense of preparedness. The association’s internal mechanisms allowed members to assess the situation comprehensively.
“As University lecturers and academics, ours is, you know peeping, you know asking [all activities] here and there and making sense out of it.”
Professor Mamudu Akudugu National President of UTAG
Transparent Processes in UTAG
The heart of the professor’s message was a concern over transparency. He pointed out that transparency, or the lack thereof, was a major factor in the breakdown of negotiations and the eventual decision to strike.
According to Prof. Akudugu, UTAG members hold transparency in high regard, and when this is absent, trust erodes quickly.
“For example, in this site, transparency is very important and once there is a sign of lack of transparency anywhere, it’s going to crumble.”
Professor Mamudu Akudugu National President of UTAG
Prof. Akudugu emphasized that UTAG is a democratic body, and any decision taken reflects the collective will of the association’s members.
He explained that the processes leading to the strike were conducted with full disclosure and openness.
“Whatever that I say to you now, you call any member of the National Executive Committee of UTAG. They will tell you the same thing.” … there are about 78 members of the National Executive Council of UTAG. Call any member, and they’ll tell you the same thing because there’s nothing to hide.”
Professor Mamudu Akudugu National President of UTAG
The Build-up to the Strike
Reflecting on the steps leading to the strike, Professor Akudugu highlighted that UTAG had been careful in its approach, always keeping the possibility of industrial action in mind.
“We did our statement on 9th December before organized labor this year on the 11th, which aligned with our initial or our pressure and our demand.”
Professor Mamudu Akudugu National President of UTAG
He clarified that UTAG was determined to move forward with its actions in line with its principles and regulations, even while collaborating with organized labor.
“We still have to do that within the context of our own rules and regulations that govern our operations.”
Professor Mamudu Akudugu National President of UTAG
Influence from External Forces: “A Big Insult”
A significant portion of Professor Akudugu’s response addressed claims or insinuations that UTAG’s actions could be influenced by political forces.
“We see it as a very insult and we take an exception to what those [what going on] and that UTAG can never be influenced by anybody.”
Professor Akudugu elaborated on the democratic nature of UTAG.
“How are you going to influence the over 2,000 members across the companies who voted here for the Strike? How are you going to do it?”
Professor Mamudu Akudugu National President of UTAG
For Prof. Akudugu, any suggestion of political interference is not only unfounded but also a disservice to the intellectual integrity of UTAG members.
He stressed that UTAG operates within a framework that ensures the will of its members is paramount. He noted; “We believe in fairness. We believe in the rule of law. We believe in following due process.”
Akudugu was categorical in stating that the structure of UTAG’s constitution prevents any small group of individuals from holding the association or any government to ransom.
“For anybody to even concede and think that … we are doing the building of a political party. It is a very big insult to the intellectual community of the country, and we take an exception to that.”
Professor Mamudu Akudugu National President of UTAG
Professor Mamudu Akudugu’s reflections reveal a well-prepared and united UTAG, resolute in its pursuit of justice and fairness for its members.
While disappointment with the current state of affairs is evident, the association remains swayed by external pressures and fully committed to transparency and democratic processes.
As Akudugu aptly put it, UTAG is “duty-bound to show leadership” in this ongoing struggle, ensuring that the demands of its members are met with integrity and determination.
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